State holding forums on nursing home oversight

The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is holding a series of public forums to discuss the agency’s oversight of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Anthony Carroll with AARP Iowa says 17 forums are planned across the state. "They’re opportunities for the public to come and find out exactly how regulation occurs in our nursing facilities, assisted living centers and other long term care facilities," Carroll said.

Two of the forums were held last week in Carroll and Fort Dodge. The remainder of the meetings run through January 8th, beginning today with forums in Red Oak and Council Bluffs. Iowans attending the meetings can learn what to expect when they or a loved one require an assisted living arrangement.

Carroll says state officials will provide information about how regulation occurs and the difference between various facilities. There are roughly 425 nursing homes in Iowa. Carroll says, compared to other states, Iowa has some of the highest quality facilities in the country.